Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in New Bedford?

To afford a 2-bedroom in New Bedford, you need to earn at least $49,440/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $54,604, which means the typical resident is $5,164 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 100,620

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$865	$2,883	$34,600	$-20,004
1 Bedroom	$1,026	$3,420	$41,040	$-13,564
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,236	$4,120	$49,440	$-5,164
3 Bedroom	$1,508	$5,027	$60,320	+$5,716
4 Bedroom	$1,854	$6,180	$74,160	+$19,556

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above New Bedford's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$54,604

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$49,440

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$5,164

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 27.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in New Bedford

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with New Bedford's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,365

Studio

$865/mo

1 BR

$1,026/mo

2 BR

$1,236/mo

3 BR

$1,508/mo

4 BR

$1,854/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in New Bedford.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for New Bedford's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to New Bedford

Renting in New Bedford, Massachusetts is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $49,440/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $54,604, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,026/month) or studio ($865/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in New Bedford pushes the required income to $60,320.

For comfortable living in New Bedford without financial stress, target a household income of at least $74,160 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Massachusetts's cost of living.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

With a total population of 100,620, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 46,339 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $49,440 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

46,339

Active civilian employees in New Bedford

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in New Bedford

What salary do I need to live in New Bedford, Massachusetts?

To afford a 2-bedroom in New Bedford under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $49,440. The median household income in New Bedford is $54,604.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in New Bedford on $54,604?

The affordability verdict for New Bedford is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 27.2%, meaning median earners have a $5,164 surplus.

What is the average rent in New Bedford compared to median income?

The median gross rent in New Bedford is $1,026/month. With a median household income of $54,604, residents spend approximately 27.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in New Bedford?

A studio in New Bedford rents for approximately $865/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $34,600 to afford this.

Is New Bedford considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $5,164 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", New Bedford is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $49,440 to the local median household income.

How New Bedford Compares

Other cities in Massachusetts with salary requirements